George Washington Carver National Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George Washington Carver National Monument |
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Visitor center
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 George Washington Carver National Monument
Location in Missouri
George Washington Carver National Monument
Location in the United States
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| Location | Newton County, Missouri, United States |
| Nearest city | Diamond, Missouri |
| Area | 240 acres (97 ha) |
| Authorized | July 14, 1943 |
| Visitors | 46,397 (in 2016) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | George Washington Carver National Monument |
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George Washington Carver National Monument
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| Nearest city | Diamond, Missouri |
| Area | 240 acres (97 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000114 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The George Washington Carver National Monument is a special place managed by the National Park Service in Newton County, Missouri. It was created on July 14, 1943. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt helped establish it.
This monument was the very first national monument dedicated to an African American. It was also the first one named after someone who was not a president.
The park protects the childhood home of George Washington Carver. It also includes the 1881 house of Moses Carver and the Carver family cemetery. George Washington Carver grew up here, surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and open fields.
The park covers 240 acres (about 97 hectares). Visitors can explore a 3⁄4-mile (1.2 km) nature trail. There is also a film, a museum, and fun interactive exhibits for students.
The monument is located about two miles west of Diamond, Missouri and ten miles southeast of Joplin, Missouri. It's a great place to learn about nature and an important historical figure.
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Who Was George Washington Carver?
George Washington Carver was born into slavery around 1864. He became a famous scientist, inventor, and educator. He taught farmers better ways to grow crops. He also found many new uses for plants like peanuts and sweet potatoes.
Carver's work helped many people, especially farmers in the southern United States. He showed them how to improve their soil and grow different crops. This helped them earn more money and live better lives.
Exploring the Monument
The monument offers a chance to step back in time. You can see the land where George Washington Carver spent his early years. The park helps visitors understand his journey from a young boy to a world-renowned scientist.
The Nature Trail
A beautiful nature trail winds through the park. It's about three-quarters of a mile long. Along the trail, you can see the types of plants and animals that Carver would have known. There is even a statue of young George Washington Carver.
Visitor Center and Museum
The visitor center has a museum filled with interesting exhibits. You can watch a film about Carver's life and work. There are also hands-on activities, especially for students. One exhibit shows what Carver's science lab might have looked like.
A Place of History
The George Washington Carver National Monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It helps preserve the legacy of a truly inspiring American.
